Forth Valley College’s STEM and Construction Department are saddened to see the end of an era this summer, as veteran Technician Kenny Kay hangs up his lab coat and PPE gear for the last time, after 50 years of service.
Kenny (66) from Laurieston, began his career in August 1974 at the then Falkirk Technical College as a Trainee Science Laboratory Technician. He has seen the College evolve into Falkirk College of Technology, then to Forth Valley College and move into a brand-new campus in his time, making sure that students of science had all that they needed to learn in the laboratories and workshops.
But despite his indispensable service over the years, Kenny revealed his first day couldn’t have got off to a worst start.
He said: “My first day was disastrous! I had applied for the position of Trainee Laboratory Technician straight from school and was accepted. On that August Monday morning when I was due to start, I took the bus from my home in Bannockburn and got off at Falkirk Station.
“I then asked someone directions to the College… but they sent me – in the pouring rain – to the Teacher Training College in Callender Park! I was soaking wet when I got there only to find out I was at the wrong college. Someone else gave me directions to the Technical College and I eventually rolled into class late and dripping wet. Not the best of starts.
“I had always been interested in science at school and after a year studying full time at the College learning how to be a Laboratory Technician, I had hoped to be sent to Bannockburn or Stirling High School to work and attend college on a day release basis. However, I was earmarked to stay and work at the College which was my third choice and I have been here for the last 50 years!
“I must say there has not been one day the same for me here at the College and that is what I have liked about it.”
Kenny, who is married to Gail and has a son Steven, a daughter Jennifer, a grandson James and three dogs, has also been a trailblazer for sustainable travel and keeping fit, as he has been cycling to and from work since 1984 when he moved to Falkirk, and regularly runs half marathons.
He went on: “I am sure my wife, children, grandson and dogs will keep me busy in my retirement and I am looking forward to spending more time with them all.
“I will miss the College and the routine of getting up in the morning to come to work and I have a great respect for every member of staff I have worked with over the years, and all the students who I have helped in their studies.
“I remember when I celebrated my 40th year working here, and it was as though some people thought that I had retired, got another job or even worse! Even when I was presented with the 40 years' service award, the person presenting thought it was for 25 years. It seems like no time at all that I have now reached the 50-year milestone.
“In 1980 I met my wife Gail at the College when she joined the team as a Laboratory Steward, the same year I became Applied Chemistry Technician. When I retire in August it will be around the same time as our 40th wedding anniversary, so perfect timing!
“I’ve enjoyed most of my career working here and the best bit has been working with fabulous colleagues. However, without the love and support of my wife and kids I would not have made it to the half century mark. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind wishes as I prepare to leave, it means a lot.”
Kenny has been an intrinsic part of the College’s Science and Engineering Department for a half century, and he was keen to get some photographs of himself in all the areas where he has worked over the years.
But he was especially keen to be pictured next to his beloved distillation columns in the Plant Lab… and the reason?
Kenny added: “These two columns were installed in the old College Campus around the same time that I started in 1974 and they have now been transferred over to the new campus along with the full distillation plant… I am glad they will still be helping students learn about science after I leave!
“Life is a journey and my journey has been the College.”
Fellow FVC Laboratory technicians had a few words to say about Kenny:
Amy Wylie, said: “He’ll be sorely missed by the team.”
Tracy Cowley, added: “We’ll all miss his stories that’s for sure… he had a new one every day!”
Mhairi Hay, Director of Curriculum for the Department of STEM and Construction, said: “Kenny has devoted his entire working life to the College and this is a remarkable achievement. He has supported not just the students who have studied science courses at the College, but all the teaching staff, including myself, who he assisted in delivering these laboratory and plant laboratory sessions. I wish Kenny all the best in his retirement, and I’m sure we will see him pop in every now and again just to check up on his plant lab.”
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “To be with the same organisation for 50 years is a remarkable milestone. When you consider the number of students that Kenny has supported in their education and career journeys over the last 50 years, then that is certainly a legacy. I would like to personally thank Kenny for his commitment to the College and the students, and I am sure I echo all his colleagues’ thoughts when I wish him all the best for the future.”
